How we cite our quotes: (Chapter.Paragraph)
Quote #7
"I'm sorry about jumping ship, Cap, but I'm glad to be home. [...] I'd rather have it this way, in my own home town, than have it in September in Australia." (6.137)
Can you really blame Swain for what he did? After all, he'd still die even if he had returned to Australia—the only difference is that he would have struck around for a few months longer. Plus, how valuable are a few months if you're alone in an unknown land? Swain answers that question with a resounding, "Not much!" through his actions here.
Quote #8
Back in their apartment on the hill she regained a little of her poise; here were the familiar things she was accustomed to. [...] Here was security. (8.171)
Mary Holmes begins to panic when she leaves the safety of her home. Now that the end is near, there are signs of impending doom written all over the walls. At home, however, she can at least go through the motions and pretend that things will be all right.
Quote #9
"Remember to turn off the electricity at the main," she said. "I mean, mice can chew through a cable and set the house on fire." (9.219)
Even at the end, Mary is concerned with the safety of her home. We know what you're thinking right now, by the way: "But Mrs. ShmoopMeister, this is irrational, because Mary won't be alive to enjoy her home!" Well, we say Bah, humbug to that. The concept of "home" is so important to us human beings that it straight up defies logic.